St. Theresa Mission Hospital launches Ebola awareness campaign

(Photo Credit: EHK / Fides News Agency)

Nzara (Fides News Agency) - St. Theresa Mission Hospital in Nzara has initiated a comprehensive awareness campaign targeting the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio to strengthen precautionary measures against ongoing Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, emphasizing prevention and vigilance even as South Sudan remains free of confirmed cases.

The awareness session, held yesterday, June 4, at the Bishop’s Residence Curia, comes as regional health concerns mount following confirmed Ebola cases in neighboring countries. South Sudan, which experienced its first recorded Ebola outbreak in 1976 in Nzara County, remains particularly vigilant given the country’s proximity to affected regions and the historical significance of the disease in its territory.

Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Diocese of Tombura Yambio expressed gratitude to St. Theresa Mission Hospital and the Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CODEP) for spearheading the awareness initiative, recognizing the importance of proactive health education. He reminded all participants of the fundamental need for vigilance. The Bishop also emphasized the need for protective measures, stressing that communities must take responsibility for their own safety. He acknowledged the reality and danger of Ebola, calling it “a disease that is truly dangerous and requires careful attention during daily activities.” The bishop urged government authorities, international partners, communities, and scientists to intensify research and awareness campaigns on Ebola, highlighting the disease’s potential danger to daily life and community health systems. He encouraged communities, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations to report suspected cases promptly to health authorities. He called for frequent awareness sessions conducted in all local languages, ensuring that health messages reach all community members regardless of educational background or language proficiency.

St. Theresa Mission Hospital, a Catholic health facility serving the Nzara area, plays a critical role in the diocesan health system and serves as a reference point for health workers across the diocese seeking guidance on Ebola prevention and response protocols. According to local health authorities, the combined efforts of the Catholic Diocese, St. Theresa Mission Hospital, CODEP, government authorities, and community organizations represent the coordinated response necessary to prevent Ebola from entering South Sudan and to protect the health and wellbeing of vulnerable communities in Western Equatoria State.

The awareness session was attended by Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio and CODEP staff, representatives from Eve Organization, priests, directors, and managers at the Curia. The diverse attendance from both church and civil society organizations demonstrates the collaborative approach to health security. (AP) (Fides News Agency, 5/6/2026)

Source: https://www.fides.org/en/news/77763-AFRICA_SOUTH_SUDAN_St_Theresa_Mission_Hospital_launches_Ebola_awareness_campaign